Postharvest Quality Management for Improved Welfare
Postharvest management of fresh produce contributes significantly to achieving food and nutrition security and improving the livelihood of farmers. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research supports governments and financial institutions to develop and enable national policy and to implement supply chains for fresh produce. They do so locally, regionally and for the export market. In this way, postharvest management contributes to a fairer and more sustainable world.
Farmer income and food security
Supply chains for fresh produce play an important role in all food systems. When appropriately designed and implemented – also in a local context – they can greatly contribute to making nutritious food available at affordable prices and improving farming incomes. The challenge is to define how these goals can be achieved sustainably in low and middle-income countries. To support governments and financial institutes in making the right decisions, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research offers globally-leading expertise in creating fresh produce chains that work, in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Experts in market access for fresh produce
The expertise of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research ranges from
understanding the physiology of fresh produce, to those postharvest processes
and technologies that ensure produce stays fresh and marketable. In combination
with deep insight into enabling market access and policies to support the
development efficient fresh supply chains, Wageningen offers unique solutions that
match local needs.
Track record
Recent projects include developing a roadmap that is accelerating creation of
energy-efficient cold chains in Rwanda, executed for the World Bank. For the Ministry of Agriculture in Benin, Wageningen experts worked with farmer organizations to develop postharvest processes and an infrastructure investment plan. The aim was to build capacity, and to facilitate market access for their fresh produce, including pineapples and green leafy vegetables. In Haiti they supported
smallholder farmers in exporting their mangoes and avocados to the American
market, substantially increasing the farmers’ incomes.
Contact
Are you considering investing in improving market linkages for fresh produce and want to be sure this will contribute to, for example, food security and improved (local) income? Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is your go-to partner for practical and scientifically-based advice. Feel free to contact us and discover how we can support you.